Oh, how much Pastor G and I have struggled through the years to believe Jesus when times got so very hard! Many had been the time when we said, “Lord, we know You promise to provide for our physical needs as long as we seek Your kingdom and righteousness first, but please help our unbelief like You helped the desperate father’s unbelief when You asked him if he believed You could heal his son “. Feelings are indeed real, and being flesh, we still focus on the physical even though we know there is much, much more to life than that. God actually taught us that His gift of faith transcends our feelings.

So, we were challenged, too. Our work for Him always persevered regardless of our physical circumstances. It may sound improbable to you, but on the day that we were to be homeless, we kept our word and counseled someone who was making bad choices regarding her finances and risked losing her subsidized apartment. She was unwilling to make changes, and we saw no point in being there with her, so we left to deal with our challenge. Yes, we had to spend the night in our car in the dead of winter amid snow and ice, but God was with us. The next morning, as we sat in a parking lot praying, God placed it into my mind where to go for help. And, indeed the door was open and the help was freely given. Things continued to be hard for a time, but God got us through. We focused on being and doing what He had for us to be and do and trusted Him for the rest. He always provided for our needs. We were grateful to Him then, and we are grateful to Him now.

Scriptures: Matthew 6:33, Habakkuk 3:17-19

33 But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.

17 Though the fig tree may not blossom,Nor fruit be on the vines;Though the labor of the olive may fail,And the fields yield no food;Though the flock may be cut off from the fold,And there be no herd in the stalls—18 Yet I will rejoice in the Lord,I will joy in the God of my salvation.

19 The Lord God is my strength;He will make my feet like deer’s feet,And He will make me walk on my high hills.

Let’s Pray

Father God, thanks for being with me regardless of what’s going on in my life and providing for my needs at just the right time. Help me to keep You and Your way first and to know what it means to seek Your kingdom and righteousness first today and every day. Grant me whatever I need in terms of courage, boldness, tenacity, determination, humility and whatever else is required to make it through those times of adversity in a spiritually successful way. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Things to Think, Pray and Journal About

1. Have you found yourself living Matthew 6:33 and trusted God’s promise? What happened?

2. Have there been times when God prompted or led you to help someone in need and you didn’t? Would you repeat that today?

3. Have you asked God to grant you discernment between helping and enabling? How did that help you decide whether to help someone or not?

copyright 2014, Pastors George and Sharon Billington, All Rights Reserved